Dredge suction point



Nov. 3, 1953* R HAIGH 2,657,479

DREDGE SUCTION POINT Filed March 30, 1951 INVENTOR Rana/o )ph Haig/l Attorney Patented Nov. 3, 1953 UNITED STATE OFFICE DREDGE SUCTION POINT Randolph Haigh, Princeton, British Columbia, Canada 1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to a suction dredge particularly such as is used in placer mining.

One object of the suction dredge is to provide a novel casing and tubing bottom which is provided with cutters for the removal of the formation beneath upon the rotation of the casing and which has suitable inlet openings for the inflow of fluids and relatively small particles of the aforementioned formation.

In placer mining it is common to use two pumps, one serving to keep the gravel pump primed in order to perform its function of drawing up the fluids and solid matter. One of the objects of this invention is to provide for suflicient natural free flow of fluid through the device that a second pump is unnecessary. Another object is to provide a means of ensuring the large particles of solid matter shall not be allowed to block the device or the suction tube to the pump.

With these and other objects in view that may appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in the novel arrangement of cooperating elements as hereinafter more specifically set forth, claimed and shown in the accompanying drawing forming part of this application and in Which:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a suction tube and novel casing fitted with the novel tubing bottom;

Fig. 2 shows a part section view of a suction tube and novel casing fitted with the novel tubing bottom and part of three cleaners;

Fig. 3 shows a section view of part of the novel tubing bottom, part of the foot valve body of the suction tube, and a cleaner;

Fig. 4 shows a section through A-A, Fig. 2.

Referring specifically to the drawings wherein like numerals of reference designate similar parts in each of the figures, the numeral 1 denotes a suction tube being used to extract fluids and/or particles of solid matter. The numeral 8 denotes a novel casing around said tube and 9 denotes a novel tubing bottom fitted to the novel casing 8. The novel tubing bottom 9 is fitted with cutters l two of which are shown. Numeral H designates the body of a non-return foot valve to which is affixed a cleaner I2. The casing 8 is provided with a means of revolving about the axis of the suction tube 1 by a bearing [3 secured in position and preferably of a ball or roller type. Perforations [4 in the casing 8 and tubing bottom 9 allow fluids and particles of solid matter to gain entry to the device and then to the suction tube 5. In the event that particles too large to pass through the perforations on the underside (or drilling face) partially enter and block the said perforations then the rotation of the casing 8 will cause the inner end of such particles to strike the cleaner or cleaners l2 and so be ejected. Vertical cleaners 15 of suitable length may also be fitted radially about the suction pipe 7 or the foot valve l l for similar purposes and function in a like manner.

The device may also be used in placer mining above water level by supplying a suitable supply of fluid through or around the casing 8.

It is believed that the construction and advantages of the invention may be apparent from the foregoing paragraphs taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings without further detailed description.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed it is understood that minor changes in the details of construction, combination and arrangement of cooperating parts may be resorted to within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

Apparatus of the character described comprising a stationary suction tube, a tubular perforated casing rotatably mounted on said tube, said casing being of such diameter as to provide a space between the tube and casing, a rounded head secured to the lower end of'said casing in covering and spaced relation to the lower end of said suction tube having a series of perforations, cutters formed integral with the sides of said head extending longitudinally from and below thehead, scraper bars attached to said suction tube disposed within the space between said tube and casing, and an arcuate scraper bar attached to the lower end of said suction tube conforming to the contour of said rounded head for scraping engagement with the inner surface of said head upon rotation of said casing.

RANDOLPH HAIGI-I.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 547,496 McDougall Oct. 8, 1895 2,255,167 Hunn Sept. 9, 1941 

